Plate design might have had role in span’s failure

Thursday, August 9th, 2007 Liability

Overburdened steel support plates may have played a role in the collapse of a highway bridge laden with tons of construction equipment, prompting the nation’s transportation chief to warn states Wednesday about excessive loads on bridges. Citing questions raised by federal investigators about the stress levels on the Interstate 35W bridge, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said in a statement that "it is vital that states remain mindful of the extra weight construction projects place on bridges."

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http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-08-08-bridge-clearing_N.htm?csp=34

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